The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a minor injury plane crash that occurred on Saturday at approximately 4:13 p.m. The plane crashed into the Portage River near 4640 W. Harbor Rd in Ottawa County.
James Raymond Lenardson, 72, of Bonita Springs, Florida, was operating a 2003 Cessna 206 seaplane. He Lenardson sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported by Port Clinton EMS to Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton.
Leo Joseph Eggert Jr, 67, of Perrysburg, was a passenger in the plane. He sustained minor injuries and was transported by Port Clinton EMS from the scene to Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton.
Lenardson was traveling eastbound on the Portage River attempting to take off. As hebegan his initial accent, he struck a power line. The plane lost control and crashed into the Portage River. Both Lenardson and Eggert were able to exit the plane as it began to sink and were able to get to shore.
An Ohio Edison high voltage power line was knocked down with part laying in the river and another across a cottage at The Resort at Erie Landing. Ohio Edison responded to the scene to de-energize the power line. Rescue Marine was contacted to retrieve the plane from the river.
Alcohol and/or drug use are not believed to be a factor in this crash. The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on the scene by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Erie Township Fire, Port Clinton EMS, Ohio Edison, FAA, and the NTSB.
